Lee Da-hyun (23-Hyundai E&C, pictured) grew up watching Yang Hyo-jin (35), the best middle blocker in the history of Korean women’s volleyball. She hoped to be selected by Yang’s team, Hyundai E&C, in the 2019-2020 V-League Rookie Draft. Hyundai E&C selected her with the second pick of the first round. It was a dream come true for Yang Hyo-jin.
Lee thrived next to Yang Hyo-jin. In the 2021-2022 season, she ranked second in blocks (0.735 per set) and second in fastballs (50.00% success rate) and was named to the Best 7 (middle blocker) for the first time in her career. Last season, 카지노 사이트 추천 she formed the “Twin Towers” with Yang Hyo-jin to lead Hyundai E&C to the overall title.
In her sixth season, Lee is pushing her limits again this year. While consistency is key, she is a standout middle blocker. As of the 18th, Lee ranks first in blocks (1.032 per set), first in movement (88.89% success rate), and second in fastballs (47.54% success rate). The only other players in the league with more than one block per set are Lee and Heungkuk Saengsaeng’s foreign attacker Tutku Bourge Yuzgengk (1.000).Lee, who broke the record for the most blocks in a single match with seven against Jung Kwanjang on Aug. 8, had seven blocks in the first set against Jung Kwanjang when they met again in the second round on Sept. 16. This is a new record for the most blocks in a single set, surpassing the previous record of five held by Yang Hyo-jin. With 11 points from blocks alone, Lee tied Yang for the second-most blocks in a single match.
SBS Sports commentator Cha Sang-hyun said, “Basically, her hand shape and sensation for blocking are quite good. “She has a good balance of mobile offense, fastball, and blocking, and she has the potential to grow further,” said SBS Sports commentator Cha Sang-hyun.
Lee still considers Yang’s play a “textbook” for her. In practice, he observes her blocking steps and timing from the side and behind the net.
“It’s really helpful just to watch her practice,” he said, ”and I think it’s the foundation for me to grasp the concept of volleyball.”
Yang is a “living legend” in the V-League, where she is the all-time leader in points (7682) and blocks (1586) in both the men’s and women’s divisions. She has also been a standout on the national team, reaching the Olympic quarterfinals twice. Until last season, she was ranked in the Best 7 (middle blocker) for 10 consecutive seasons. Hyojin Yang is now in her late 30s.
Lee’s steady growth is also good news for Hyundai E&C, which has to think about the future after Yang’s retirement. Cha, who led GS Caltex until last season, also pointed out that “if Lee continues to grow like he is now, it will be very helpful for the team.”